From the past two weeks, I have met some of the most motivated and passionate individuals who truly want to make a difference in the world. I am optimistic for our country's future because at the Democratic National Convention President, Barak Obama spoke about the country's accomplishments and then, set an unprecedented example of how kind, compassionate and driven every president should want to emulate. He instilled faith into the future of America and proved that our country is not broken; it has never not been “great” and there is always room at the table. We have made great strides in the last eight years and will continue to do so. I am optimistic because I do not see Millenials as the lazy, self-centered generation that some see us as; I see us as socially conscious, engaged citizens that want to do good. I see Millenials disregard race and ethnicity as a deciding factor of someone’s worth and instead see them as valuable assets that all contribute to the beauty of the American melting pot.
Perhaps this is the privileged college student part of me speaking as the system undoubtedly does work for me. I am optimistic for my future, and for the future of my peers and recognize that it is easy to stay optimistic when the system works for me. I am still under the roof of my parents: I do not have to pay my own taxes, work a 40 hour work week, worry about finances, pay for my health care or worry about minimum wage (seriously enough to make ends meet to support a family), and I do feel as if my needs and issues are more and more being represented by politicians. Thanks to politicians such as Bernie Sanders, more younger voters than ever before are getting involved in politics. I am not worried about finding a job after graduation and I am excited to place my vote in the upcoming general election.
But, what about the hard working, everyday Americans who do not benefit from the system; the individuals that work more than one job and do not even get paid a living wage in order to make ends meet; individuals who are discriminated by every single day in society or the workforce or bright individuals who are not receiving the education they deserve? It is not difficult to understand why these people feel pessimistic about the future. Some believe that with the nomination of Hillary Clinton, the 'political revolution' and the needs of everyday people will soon be forgotten. Where are their needs being represented in this election?
To them I say this: I am optimistic because I whole heartedly believe in my generation and know so many good people that want to help make this system work for everyone. I do not think that the end of Bernie Sanders' campaign signifies the end of the fight; I see it as a new beginning and a chance for Bernie supporters to continue their push for campaign finance reform and combatting income disparities. I am a Clinton supporter and I am trying to understand problems beyond the ones that directly influence my life and advocate for movements that undoubtedly affect me in less obvious ways such as Black Lives Matter, minimum wage and campaign finance. I want to help have a voice for those who feel as if their voice is drowned out by the affluent and overpowering individuals; the ones who benefit from the system and are taking far more than they need. I want to help make a difference for the ones who feel as if their country has given up on them.
Because I do not think it has. As President Obama so eloquently stated in his speech at the DNC last week, “There is more that unites this country than divides us.” Whether you are old, young, conservative, liberal, independent, man or woman, we are all trying to provide for others and make the most out of life. I am hopeful for the future and since attending both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions this past week I have never felt so much admiration, respect and optimism for my country. So if anyone tries to tell you that America is not great, that we need a 'political revolution' or to keep Clinton out of the White House, keep this in mind: the four former presidents of the United States do not support Donald Trump as president. Put political parties aside. I trust President Obama's optimism and love for this country and if he is #WithHer, then so am I.
